MY DAUGHTER HITS THE BIG SCREEN

This is my daughter Kaitlin kicking off our Sunday night student worship last night.

THE END OF AN ERA

It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that the Ponchot family has reached the end of an era. Our family dog of nearly 13 years, Toby, is no longer with us. Yes, the "geriatric arthritic episode" ridden dog is no more. Last Thursday, we had him put down. It was a tough decision but one that needed to be made. He had been suffering for quite a while and it was clearly time. You should know that even though I have often spoken ill against that stupid dog, I do indeed miss him...a little...very little. I did, however, make every effort to make his last day on this earth a good one. It started off with a nice walk on a nature trail. He loved it. He had a great time smelling all the dog droppings, weeds, dead animals, and all the other smells that only a dog could love. He started off strong but began to struggle towards the end (arthritis). The walk was followed by a trip through McDonald's drive through for a double cheeseburger. I really don't know if he enjoyed it or not because he would eat anything (and often did) . All in all, he seemed very content and I'm glad to have had him as our pet. Memorials for Toby may be sent to the Ponchot Pool Resurfacing Fund (more on our pool mess later).

WHAT'S GOING ON?

I have started to realize a couple of "blogging truths" about myself: #1) When not much is going on, I tend to post very frequently (I'm good at sharing random thoughts). #2) When I have a lot going on, the blogging is the first thing to go. You would think that it would be the opposite. The more going on the more you have to say. Evidently, not for me. Anyway, much has been going on over the last few weeks. Two weeks ago, we held our student overnight retreat. It was really cool. The title for the weekend was RENOVATE and the theme was focused on finding out: who you really are, where you are, and what God wants you to be. It was kind of the wrap up of a series that we have been doing for the winter season in the student ministry. This retreat was different that others we have done in the past. We really tried to make this one personal for the students. Sure they spent time together in worship, in small groups, but also in time alone with God. I really think that the kids got a chance to allow God to do some renovation in their lives.

It was also a great opportunity to spend some hang time with a great group of teens. We had a big time. I am so lucky to serve at a church will such a great group. I truly love them all. As great as our teens are, I also serve with a phenomenal group of adult volunteers. Huge thanks to Doran, Didi, Angi, Tamara, Rhonda, Chip, Jen, John, Aaron, and Julie. You guys are awesome. The only tough thing about the weekend was the lack of sleep. I must be getting old.

Last weekend, another overnight event at church. I had the privilege of taking a group of 3rd-5th graders to an event called Super Start. I don't usually spend a lot of time with that age group but it was a real treat. I used to think that the loudest sound on earth was the sound of a 7th grade girl screaming. I think that I might have to change my opinion. It might be a 4th grade boy. Crazy. Anyway, it was good to be with them and I was so proud of our LCC kids. They really know how to worship. Probably the best things for me about the weekend was that my son, Jacob, was one of the kids that went with us. He is one of the funniest people I know and he really loves the Lord (see video below). Anyway, that is what's going on right now, more later.